Jumat, 04 Januari 2008

LONDON (AFP) - What do you give a couple who seem to have everything? For Britains Prince Charles and his second wife Camilla, the answer is jewels, carpets, an Arabian stallion -- and a shopping bag.

The gifts were among 274 individual items the couple received from foreign dignitaries and members of the public on official overseas tours in the last 12 months, according to a list made public Saturday by royal officials.

During a trip to the Gulf states in February, Camilla was given a necklace, a brooch and a belt from the Kuwaiti royal family. The Qatari royal family gave her another necklace and four glass bottles of perfume.

She was also presented with two black abayas -- full-length Islamic robes and veils worn by Muslim women.

In Bahrain, royals there gave her a watch, bracelet and a silver box with a pearl inset while the couple was also given a jewel-encrusted ceremonial Arabic sword.

Charles came away with a watch from Kuwait and a pistol from the commandant of Kuwaits Military Staff College. An unnamed individual gave him an Arabian stallion -- the second he has received in as many years.

He also received a Whirling Dervish hat from the mayor of Konya on a visit to Turkey in November.

Some gifts were similar: the couple received six model dhows, a couple of carpets, 68 books and three walking sticks.

Other presents were less extravagant: on a trip to the United States in January, the couple received a signed American football, two baseball caps, a shopping bag, chutney, maple syrup and some honey.

Official gifts can be worn or used but by convention are not considered the royals personal property. They cannot be sold or exchanged but eventually become part of the Royal Collection, which is held in trust by the monarch.